Scaffold extension systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Embodiments described herein include an expansion assembly for a scaffold having a first support member, the first support member having a connector bar, the first support member including a hook flange, the hook flange projecting laterally from the connector bar, a hook, the hook extending from the hook flange, where the hook is spaced apart from the connector bar, a support bracket, the support bracket extending from a support bracket flange, where the support bracket is spaced apart from the connector, and a securing bracket. A second support member includes a hook flange, the hook flange projecting from the first end of the second support member, a hook, the hook extending from the hook flange, where the hook is spaced apart from a connector bar, and a stop, the stop being positioned at about the second end of the second support member, where the stop engages the securing bracket of the first support member such that the first support member and the second support member are substantially perpendicular and are configured to support a platform.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/909,137, filed Nov. 26, 2013, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the technology relate, in general, to scaffolding technology, and in particular to expansion assemblies for use with existing scaffolding.

BACKGROUND

Scaffolding, also called staging, is a temporary structure used to support people and material in the construction or repair of buildings and other structures. Scaffolding has been used since ancient times. The purpose of a working scaffold is to provide a safe place of work with safe access suitable for the work being done. Scaffolding devices carry risk when in use. In particular, the platform of the scaffold is often not the appropriate height and/or is not wide enough to safely and securely protect a user engaged with the scaffolding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be more readily understood from a detailed description of some example embodiments taken in conjunction with the following figures:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a typical scaffolding system that can be used with in cooperation with embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the scaffolding system of FIG. 1 shown with an associated first scaffold expansion assembly and a second scaffold expansion assembly, the first scaffold expansion assembly being shown in an exploded view having a vertical member and a horizontal member in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts the scaffold expansion assembly of FIG. 2 shown with a platform engaged with the first scaffold expansion assembly and the second scaffold expansion assembly.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the vertical member shown in FIG. 2

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the horizontal member shown in FIG. 2.

SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein include an expansion assembly for a scaffold having a first support member, the first support member having a first connector bar, a first end, and a second end, the first support member including a first hook flange, the first hook flange projecting laterally from the first connector bar at about the first end of the first support member, a first hook, the first hook extending from the first hook flange, where the first hook is spaced apart from the first connector bar, a support bracket flange, the support bracket flange projecting laterally from the first connector bar and positioned between the first end and the second end of the connector bar, a support bracket, the support bracket extending from the support bracket flange, where the support bracket is spaced apart from the connector, and a securing bracket, where the securing bracket is positioned at about the second end of the first support member, and a second support member, the second support member having a second connector, a first end and a second end, the second support member including, a second hook flange, the second hook flange projecting from the first end of the second support member, a second hook, the second hook extending from the second hook flange, where the second hook is spaced apart from the second connector bar, and a stop, the stop being positioned at about the second end of the second support member, where the stop engages the securing bracket of the first support member such that the first support member and the second support member are substantially perpendicular and are configured to support a platform.

Embodiments include an expansion assembly for a scaffold including a vertical support means, a horizontal support means, a platform means, and a means for coupling the vertical support means and the horizontal support means to support the platform means.

Embodiments described herein include an expansion assembly for a scaffold including a vertical support member, the first support member having a first connector bar, a first end, and a second end, the first support member including, a first hook flange, the first hook flange projecting laterally from the first connector bar at about the first end of the vertical support member, a first hook having a U-shaped configuration, the first hook extending from the first hook flange, wherein the first hook is spaced apart from the first connector bar, a support bracket flange, the support bracket flange projecting laterally from the first connector bar and positioned between the first end and the second end of the connector bar, a support bracket having a U-shaped configuration, the support bracket extending from the support bracket flange, where the support bracket is spaced apart from the connector, and a securing bracket having a U-shaped configuration, where the securing bracket is positioned at about the second end of the vertical support member, a horizontal support member, the second support member having a second connector, a first end and a second end, the second support member including, a second hook flange, the second hook flange projecting from the first end of the horizontal support member, a second hook having a U-shaped configuration, the second hook extending from the second hook flange, where the second hook is spaced apart from the second connector bar, and a stop having a V-shaped configuration, the stop being positioned at about the second end of the horizontal support member, where the stop engages the securing bracket of the first support member such that the first support member and the second support member are substantially perpendicular and are configured to support a platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, and use of the apparatuses, systems, methods, and processes disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with any embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Described herein are example embodiments of apparatuses, systems, and methods for improving the safety and usefulness of existing scaffolding. In one example embodiment, a scaffold expansion assembly can be used to support additional platforms that otherwise could not be used with an existing scaffold system. In some embodiments, the scaffold expansion assembly can include one or a plurality of vertical and horizontal members that can cooperate to support platforms, supports, or the like. In some embodiments, the scaffold expansion assembly can be easily coupled and decoupled from an existing scaffold based upon need.

The examples discussed herein are examples only and are provided to assist in the explanation of the apparatuses, devices, systems and methods described herein. None of the features or components shown in the drawings or discussed below should be taken as mandatory for any specific implementation of any of these the apparatuses, devices, systems or methods unless specifically designated as mandatory. For ease of reading and clarity, certain components, modules, or methods may be described solely in connection with a specific figure. Any failure to specifically describe a combination or sub-combination of components should not be understood as an indication that any combination or sub-combination is not possible. Also, for any methods described, regardless of whether the method is described in conjunction with a flow diagram, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified or required by context, any explicit or implicit ordering of steps performed in the execution of a method does not imply that those steps must be performed in the order presented but instead may be performed in a different order or in parallel.

Example embodiments described herein can improve the safety, versatility, and usefulness of existing scaffold systems. Example embodiments can allow a user to safely and securely add one or a plurality of platforms, planks, or the like to existing scaffolding. The addition of platforms, support members, safety members, or the like can provide a wider platform for the user and a safer working environment. For example, a scaffold could initially be built with support for only a few key platforms positioned in strategic areas. Construction needs often change and the original platform placement may be sub-optimal once work is underway. In such circumstances, users may put themselves at risk and attempt to work around the existing framework of the scaffolding. Alternatively, costly tear downs and rebuilds of the scaffold infrastructure may be contemplated. Example embodiments of a scaffold expansion assembly can allow for additional platforms to be securely placed, as needed in appropriate locations, to reduce the risk to users and to improve the usefulness of the scaffolding.

In some embodiments, the scaffold expansion assembly can be sold as a kit including, for example, two vertical members, two horizontal members, and an associated platform. Embodiments of the scaffold expansion assembly can include any suitable components and can have any suitable dimensions to accommodate existing scaffold systems.

FIG. 1 depicts one example of a typical scaffold 10 that can include a plurality of standards 12, or uprights, which can be vertical tubes that can transfer the entire mass of the structure to the ground where the standards can rest on a square base plate (not shown) to spread the load. The scaffold 10 can include a plurality of ledgers or cross braces 14, which can be substantially horizontal tubes that connect between the standards 12. That scaffold 10 can include a plurality of transoms 15 that can be placed next to the standards 12 to hold the standards in place and provide support for boards, or the like. Intermediate transoms (not shown) can be placed between the main transoms to provide extra support for boards, platforms, or other support members. The scaffold 10 can be used to in cooperation with expansion assemblies as described in more detail herein. It will be appreciated that embodiments described herein can be used with any suitable support or scaffold system such as prefabricated, modular systems using metal pipes or tubes. Components of scaffolding can include tubes, couplers, and boards. Tubes can be made of steel, aluminum, composite materials such as those using filament-wound tubes of glass fibre in a nylon or polyester matrix, or any other suitable material. If steel is used, the tubes can be black or galvanized. Tubing can come in a variety of lengths and can have, for example, a diameter of 48.3 mm or any suitable dimensions.

Platforms 16 or boards can provide a working surface for scaffold users. These can include seasoned wood that can come, for example, in a variety of thicknesses (38 mm, 50 mm, or 63 mm, for example) and have a width of 225 mm and a length of 3.9 m. It will be appreciated that any suitable dimensions are contemplated. The board ends can be protected by metal plates called hoop irons or nail plates. Steel or aluminum decking can be used, as well as laminate boards. In addition to the platform 16 or boards for the working platform or scaffold 10, sole boards can be placed beneath the scaffolding if the surface is soft or otherwise suspect. The platforms 16 can include hooks 17 or other coupling mechanisms for attachment to the transoms 15.

Couplers 18 can hold the tubes or other components together. Couplers 18 can include right-angle couplers, putlog couplers, and swivel couplers. To join tubes end-to-end, joint pins, spigots, or sleeve couplers can be used. Right angle couplers and swivel couplers can be used to fix tubes in a load-bearing connection. Other common scaffolding components can include base plates, ladders, ropes, anchor ties, reveal ties, gin wheels, sheeting, etc.

FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of a first scaffold expansion assembly 20 that can include a vertical member 22 and a horizontal member 24 and a second scaffold expansion assembly 21. The vertical member 22 and the horizontal member 24 can cooperate such that the horizontal member 24 can function as a retrofit transom to support a board or platform, such as a platform 16. As shown in FIG. 3, the first scaffold expansion assembly 20 and the second scaffold expansion assembly 21 can be used in cooperation to support a platform 16. In this manner, an existing scaffold 10 can be modified to provide additional support and safety without having to make expensive or time consuming changes to the scaffolding.

Referring to FIG. 4, the vertical member 22 of the first scaffold expansion assembly 20 can include a connector bar 26, having any suitable length, and a first end 28 and a second end 30. The first end 28 of the vertical member 22 can include a flange 29 having a hook 32, a front surface 34, and a rear surface 36. The hook 32 can be substantially U-shaped and can be sized such that it can be hung over a horizontal rail of the scaffold 10, such as a transom 15, such that the first end 28 of the vertical member 22 is coupled with the scaffold 10. A pair of apertures 38 can be defined by the hook 32 and flange 29, where the pair of apertures 38 can be configured and sized to accept a securing mechanism 31 or fastener, such as a screw, rod, pin, or the like that an be inserted through the pair of apertures 38 to secure the first end 28 to the transom 15 or other scaffold 10 member. The hook 32 and the connector bar 26 can be spaced apart by a distance 42 that can be sized such that a standard 12 can pass between the hook 32 and the vertical member 26 when the vertical member 22 is placed on the scaffold 10. In this manner, the vertical member 22 can be placed on any suitable horizontal ledger or transom and accommodate a vertical standard or upright. The distance 42 can be sized to accept a wide range of standards or, in an alternate embodiment, the hook and/or flange can be adjustable by a user to modify the distance 42 as desired. In one embodiment, the distance 42 can be sized to approximate the diameter of a standard of the scaffolding.

The second end 30 of the vertical member 22 can include a securing bracket 40 which can have a substantially U-shaped configuration. The securing bracket 40 can define a pair of apertures 42 through which a securing mechanism 31, such as a screw, rod or the like can be inserted to secure the securing bracket 40 onto a standard 12 of the scaffold 10.

Still referring to FIG. 4, the vertical member 22 can include a first support bracket 44 and a second support bracket 46. The first support bracket 44 can be coupled to the connector bar 26 with a flange 43 and the second support bracket 44 can be coupled to the connector bar with a flange 45. In one embodiment, the flanges 43, 45 are welded or fixedly attached to the connector bar 26. The support brackets 44, 46 can be substantially perpendicular to the connector bar 26 and can have a generally U-shaped configuration. The support brackets 44, 46 can define a pair of apertures 48, 50, respectively that can accept a fastening element. Once the vertical member 22 is positioned, the support brackets 44, 46 can be configured to accept the horizontal member 24 as will be described in more detail. The first support bracket 44 can be spaced apart from the connector 26 by a distance 76 and the second support bracket 46 can be spaced apart from the connector 26 by a distance 78. The distances 76 and 78 can be sized to accommodate the standard as well as a stop 74 on the horizontal member 24 as will be described herein.

In one embodiment, the support brackets can be detachably coupled with the connector bar of the vertical member. In this manner, the support brackets can be used only as needed for the attachment of corresponding horizontal members. The support brackets and/or flanges can also be hinged such that that can pivot relative to the connector bar for adjustment or into alignment with the connector bar. In one embodiment, the support brackets can be detachable from the connector and can be adjusted along the length of the connector bar. For example, the support brackets can include a clamp or other fastener that allows the support brackets to be positioned at any suitable location along the connector bar. The connector bar can define a series of apertures along the vertical length through which a support bracket can be coupled with a nut and bolt, for example. It will be appreciated that any suitable number of support brackets having any suitable configuration are contemplated. Providing adjustable support brackets may better accommodate a variety of different scaffold configurations and provide a high level of flexibility. The support brackets can have any suitable shape and can use any suitable mechanism to attach to the scaffold or support a platform or horizontal member.

Referring to FIG. 5, one embodiment of the horizontal member 24 is shown. The horizontal member 24 can include a first end 60, a second end 62, and a connector bar 64. The first end 60 of the horizontal member 24 can include a hook 66 attached to the connector bar 64 with a flange 65 that can have a front surface 67 and a rear surface 69. The horizontal member 24 can include an alignment plate 70. During placement, the horizontal member 24 can be engaged with a transom 15 or other horizontal support such that the hook 66 covers at least a portion of the transom 15 and is supported by the transom 15. The hook 66 can be spaced apart from the alignment plate 70 by a distance 72, where the distance 72 can be sized to allow a vertical support, such as a standard 12, to pass between the hook 66 and the alignment plate 70. The hook 66 can define a pair of apertures 80 that can be used in combination with a fastener or a securing mechanism to connect the horizontal member 24 with a rail or transom 15. The second end 62 of the horizontal member 24 can include a stop 74, which can have a generally V-shaped configuration or any other suitable shape.

During assembly, the vertical member 22 can be placed over a horizontal support, such as a transom 15, such that the connector bar 26 has a substantially vertical orientation. One or a plurality of support brackets 44, 46 can project laterally from the connector bar 26. At the same time, the horizontal member 24 can be positioned over a transom 15 such that the connector bar 64 has a generally horizontal orientation. The horizontal member 24 can be positioned relative to the vertical member 22 such that the vertical member 22 is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal member 24. The stop 74 of the horizontal member can be engaged, for example, with a supporting bracket 44 such that the stop 74 is positioned between the supporting bracket 44 and the connector bar 26 in the distance 76 defined therebetween. The stop 74 can be sized such that, when a fastener is placed through the pair of apertures 48, the horizontal member 24 is substantially coupled with the vertical member 22. In this manner, the vertical member 22 and the horizontal member 24 can form a secure assembly on which a platform or board can be placed.

In various embodiments disclosed herein, a single component can be replaced by multiple components and multiple components can be replaced by a single component to perform a given function or functions. Except where such substitution would not be operative, such substitution is within the intended scope of the embodiments. Some of the figures can include a flow diagram. Although such figures can include a particular logic flow, it can be appreciated that the logic flow merely provides an exemplary implementation of the general functionality.

The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. Some of those modifications have been discussed, and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best illustrate principles of various embodiments as are suited to particular uses contemplated. The scope is, of course, not limited to the examples set forth herein, but can be employed in any number of applications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in the art. Rather it is hereby intended the scope of the invention to be defined by the claims appended hereto. 

We claim:
 1. An expansion assembly for a scaffold comprising: (a) a first support member, the first support member having a first connector bar, a first end, and a second end, the first support member including; (i) a first hook flange, the first hook flange projecting laterally from the first connector bar at about the first end of the first support member; (ii) a first hook, the first hook extending from the first hook flange, wherein the first hook is spaced apart from the first connector bar; (iii) a support bracket flange, the support bracket flange projecting laterally from the first connector bar and positioned between the first end and the second end of the connector bar; (iv) a support bracket, the support bracket extending from the support bracket flange, wherein the support bracket is spaced apart from the connector; and (v) a securing bracket, wherein the securing bracket is positioned at about the second end of the first support member; and (b) a second support member, the second support member having a second connector, a first end and a second end, the second support member including; (i) a second hook flange, the second hook flange projecting from the first end of the second support member; (ii) a second hook, the second hook extending from the second hook flange, wherein the second hook is spaced apart from the second connector bar; and (iii) a stop, the stop being positioned at about the second end of the second support member, wherein the stop engages the securing bracket of the first support member such that the first support member and the second support member are substantially perpendicular and are configured to support a platform.
 2. The expansion assembly of claim 1, wherein the first hook has a substantially U-shaped configuration and is sized to engage a transom.
 3. The expansion assembly of claim 1, wherein the first hook defines a pair of apertures configured to accept a fastener.
 4. The expansion assembly of claim 1, wherein the first hook is spaced apart from the first connector by a distance sufficient to accommodate a standard.
 5. The expansion assembly of claim 1, wherein the first hook flange is fixedly coupled with the first connector.
 6. The expansion assembly of claim 1, wherein the support bracket has a substantially U-shaped configuration.
 7. The expansion assembly of claim 1, wherein the support bracket flange is fixedly coupled with the first connector bar.
 8. The expansion assembly of claim 1, wherein the support bracket flange and support bracket are detachably coupled with the first connector bar such that the support bracket is adjustable.
 9. The expansion assembly of claim 1, furthering comprising a plurality of support bracket coupled to the first connector bar with a plurality of support bracket flanges.
 10. The expansion assembly of claim 1, wherein the support bracket defines a pair of apertures configured to accept a fastener.
 11. The expansion assembly of claim 1, wherein the securing bracket has a substantially U-shaped configuration and is sized to engage a standard.
 12. The expansion assembly of claim 1, wherein the securing bracket defines a pair of apertures configured to accept a fastener.
 13. The expansion assembly of claim 1, wherein the second hook has a substantially U-shaped configuration and is sized to engage a transom.
 14. The expansion assembly of claim 1, wherein the second hook defines a pair of apertures configured to accept a fastener.
 15. The expansion assembly of claim 1, wherein the second hook is space apart from the connector bar by a distance sufficient to accommodate a standard.
 16. The expansion assembly of claim 1, wherein the stop has a substantially V-shaped configuration.
 17. The expansion assembly of claim 1, further comprising a platform supported by the first support member and the second support member.
 18. An expansion assembly for a scaffold comprising: (a) a vertical support means, (b) a horizontal support means; (c) a platform means; and (d) a means for coupling the vertical support means and the horizontal support means to support the platform means.
 19. An expansion assembly for a scaffold comprising: (a) a vertical support member, the first support member having a first connector bar, a first end, and a second end, the first support member including; (i) a first hook flange, the first hook flange projecting laterally from the first connector bar at about the first end of the vertical support member; (ii) a first hook having a U-shaped configuration, the first hook extending from the first hook flange, wherein the first hook is spaced apart from the first connector bar; (iii) a support bracket flange, the support bracket flange projecting laterally from the first connector bar and positioned between the first end and the second end of the connector bar; (iv) a support bracket having a U-shaped configuration, the support bracket extending from the support bracket flange, wherein the support bracket is spaced apart from the connector; and (v) a securing bracket having a U-shaped configuration, wherein the securing bracket is positioned at about the second end of the vertical support member; and (b) a horizontal support member, the second support member having a second connector, a first end and a second end, the second support member including; (i) a second hook flange, the second hook flange projecting from the first end of the horizontal support member; (ii) a second hook having a U-shaped configuration, the second hook extending from the second hook flange, wherein the second hook is spaced apart from the second connector bar; and (iii) a stop having a V-shaped configuration, the stop being positioned at about the second end of the horizontal support member, wherein the stop engages the securing bracket of the first support member such that the first support member and the second support member are substantially perpendicular and are configured to support a platform.
 20. The expansion assembly of claim 19, further comprising a platform supported by the vertical member and the horizontal member. 